Eating clean means focusing on eating only whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. It also means avoiding all processed foods.
So what are the benefits of clean eating? Here are just a few:
- a decrease in body fat and weight loss
- better cholesterol levels
- increased energy
- less consumption of harmful artificial food additives and preservatives
- decreased risk for diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and cancer
- improved immunity to fight illness
We recommend that any packaged product with more than 5 to 10 ingredients listed should be avoided. These types of processed foods make up the majority of the Standard American Diet (SAD). By eliminating processed sugar, bad fats (e.g., trans and hydrogenated fats), preservatives, white bread, and any other unnecessary ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to feeling and looking amazing!
Week 1: Add REAL fruits and REAL vegetables to every meal. Eliminate “fake” fruits, like fruit cups with added sugar and sweetened dried fruits, like cranberries.
Week 2: No more fast food!
Week 3: Remove all white breads and grains. Replace them with whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta. Make sure “whole wheat” is listed first on the ingredients list.
Week 4: Use a fruit or vegetable as the base of every snack you eat. Try an apple and natural almond butter or cucumbers with hummus.
Week 5: No more soda or sugary drinks.
Remember this: If it’s “man made,” don’t eat or drink it.